SAN JOSE (KCBS) — Passengers on Caltrain are on board with a new real-time train information system, designed to let people know exactly when trains will be arriving at stations.

The system, similar to what other Bay Area transportation systems have adopted, uses GPS and sensor technology to update Caltrain’s website and can even send text messages to passengers who sign up for the service.

For passengers anxious for info on the platform, they will get both audio and display messages telling them exactly when trains will be departing and arriving.

KCBS’ Matt Bigler Reports:

Caltrain Testing New System That Predicts Arrival And Departure Times

John Foggiato, who was waiting for a train at San Jose’s Diridon Station, said it would be a useful service.

“Basically it would allow me to inform anybody that’s picking me up ahead of time and also to give me an idea of what amount of time it takes to go from here to wherever I’m going,” Foggiato explained.

Text messages may also prove helpful at Diridon Station, which doubles as an Amtrak stop and has two sets of public address announcements.

Caltrain is currently testing the system and hopes to go live with a full rollout of the system by the end of the year.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)